Cats and high temps

My cat is a short haired Tabby.  The temperatures have been high, mid 80's to high 90's.  I've been keeping cold water in his dish all day long.  I've also been using a cloth that's been wetted in cold water about 3 or 4 times during the day.

My question is:  is it okay to be using the cold, wet cloth on him during the heat wave?

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Cats originated as desert animals and are therefore more resistant to heat than dogs.  

Generally, cats like hot weather better than cold.  However, any excesses either in heat or cold can cause issues.  The best way to keep a cat cool is by increasing drinking or adding extra water to the canned food.

A kitty water fountain is one of the best ways to get cats to increase their drinking.  A ceramic or stainless steel water fountain are they best.

Feeding only canned food is also important.  Adding a bit more water to the canned food will increase water consumption.

Please stop feeding kibble if this is what you feed.  In hot weather cats need all the liquid they can get.

Wiping your cat down periodically is fine and can help as long as the cat does not find this stressful.  Use fans around the house but never point a fan directly at a cat.  Some cats like to sit in the path of a fan, but some may be fearful of them.